Lake Bled by Rail
- 8 Days
- From £949
- Slovenia
- Rest and relaxation at tranquil Lake Bled in Slovenia
- Outbound travel via the Bavarian capital, Munich
- Take the slower route home, stopping off in Heidelberg with its magnificent riverside castle
- Decide when you would like to travel
- Adapt the route to suit your plans
- Upgrade your hotels
- Add extra nights, destinations and/or tours
- Standard Class rail travel with seat reservations
- 7 nights’ handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast
- Comprehensive directions to your hotels
- Clearly-presented wallets for your rail tickets, hotel vouchers and other documentation
- All credit card surcharges and complimentary delivery of your travel documents
Suggested Itinerary
Depart London today on a modern and fast Eurostar service, which takes you through the Channel Tunnel to Brussels. Change here onto the German railway network, travelling south and east towards the Bavarian capital, Munich, where you stay overnight at the Courtyard City Centre (or similar), a short walk from the station.
After a morning exploring the old city in Munich, depart at lunchtime on a direct train to Lake Bled. You cross the Austrian border at Salzburg, after which point the train winds its way through the stunning Austrian Alps, into the state of Carinthia. After passing through the Karawank Tunnel, you emerge into Slovenia, arriving shortly afterwards into Lesce-Bled station, a short distance from the shoreline of Lake Bled. Check into the Hotel Lovec (or similar) for a 5-night stay.
Surrounded by forests and the glorious backdrop of the Julian Alps, Lake Bled is one of the most picturesque locations in all of the alpine region. The medieval fortification of Bled Castle looms large on the northern shore of the lake, reportedly the oldest castle in Slovenia and one of the country’s most visited attractions.
Take a boat cruise on the lake, pay a visit to the 17th-century church on Bled Island, dedicated to the Assumption of Mary, and perhaps even visit the nearby Alpine resort of Kranjska Gora.
After breakfast, depart Lesce-Bled railway station for the journey north, back through the beautiful Austrian Alps, and back into Germany. This time, stay on board as the train negotiates the hills of Bavaria and the state of Baden-Württemberg passing along the eastern edge of the Black Forest. Alight at Heidelberg, where you stay overnight at the Heidelberger Hof (or similar).
Take a train north along the scenic Rhine Gorge, passing the Loreley Rock, multiple vineyards and picture-perfect towns such as St Goar and Boppard, until you reach the cathedral-city of Cologne. Change here for your onward high-speed train to Brussels, where you pick up the Eurostar service back into the UK.
Typical hotels on this itinerary
Munich
Conveniently situated just 5 minutes’ walk from Munich’s main station and 10 minutes’ walk from the historical centre, the Courtyard by Marriott Munich City Centre offers comfortable, convenient accommodation with modern interiors. In-house dining is available at the Oleo Pazzo, a Mediterranean bistro.
Lake Bled
This hotel is located in the centre of Bled village and provides guests with deluxe modern accommodations in an intimate, relaxing setting surrounded by beautiful gardens. Each well-appointed bedroom at the hotel features cable satellite television and a mini-bar. Guests are invited to a full breakfast each morning and to relax in the indoor swimming pool, whirlpool and sauna.
Heidelberg
This family-run hotel is located in Heidelberg’s central university district, right next to the start of the city-centre pedestrianised zone. All non-smoking bedrooms come with sound-proofing, a 37 inch flat-screen TV, and free Wi-Fi internet access. The hotel also offers a sauna and a small gym.
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Munich
Built into the southern wing of the railway station, this superb French-style property is amongst Munich’s best hotels. Relax in your spacious bedroom or in the heavenly spa and swimming pool. Enjoy a full, varied breakfast in the hotel’s fabulous restaurant.
Lake Bled
Located on the shore of Bled Lake with a panoramic view of the lake’s island and the surrounding Alps, Grand Hotel Toplice provides thermal pools and a wellness centre with saunas, massages and a solarium. Traditionally decorated air-conditioned rooms have a TV, a safe and private balcony, some with a lake view.
